OMAHA, Neb. - Former Bluejay Pat Venditte (2005-08) was officially
added to the World Baseball Classic (WBC) roster for Team Italy on Thursday,
Feb. 21.

A member of the New York Yankee organization, Venditte is best known for his
ability to pitch with either arm. Venditte is expected to pitch
exclusively as a left-hander in the WBC as he continues to recover from surgery
to repair a torn labrum in his right arm, suffered last season.

Team Italy is in Pool D of the 16-team tournament with Mexico, Canada and
the United State. Pool play is scheduled to begin on March 7, with Team
Italy facing Team Mexico at 1 p.m.